Everglades National Park entry fee?

[Davy J]

According to the latest BoatUS magazine, there will be a new fee to enter the Everglades National Park by boat. Of course this has fishing guides in the keys in an uproar.....

However, after a few google searches I haven't been able to determine if this will impact cruisers who stop for the night at Little Shark River or Indian Key Pass. Anyone have anymore info?

[Jerry Woodward]

I find it hard to imagine how the park service would be able to enforce/collect fees from boats in the 10,000 island, shark river area. Most of these areas are so isolated. That being said, I would have no problem supporting our National Parks by paying a fee.

[HopCar]

Could they be talking about a fee for using the boat ramps at Flamingo?

[GordMay]

Evidently, completion of their free boater education course will become required for all boaters later this year.
➥ Everglades Boater Education Course

You might contact the Park: (305) 242-7700

See also ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...er-103095.html

[Davy J]

Could they be talking about a fee for using the boat ramps at Flamingo?

No, according to the article, the fees for the ramp will be eliminated. However, any boat entering the park will be required to have the pass and have completed the safe "boating" course.

We have anchored at both Indian Key Pass and The Little Shark River many times. Have never seen a ranger or any other water cops, but I wonder if that will change with this "new" policy.

[AA3JY]

Also an additional requirement, according to this months Boat US magazine, will be an online education course along with the appropriate fee to enter the Everglades National Park..

[HopCar]

Took the test and am now certified to run a boat in Everglades National Park (ENP). The thing I don’t like is that they have closed lots of places to any boats. It’s going to be hard to avoid them unless the park installs a LOT of signs.

I spoke to a couple of my friends who were scientists in the park. They say the new superintendent is power mad. He wants to supervise ENP, Biscayne National Park, Fort Jefferson and the Big Cypress.

[Jerry Woodward]

Originally Posted by AA3JY

Also an additional requirement, according to this months Boat US magazine, will be an online education course along with the appropriate fee to enter the Everglades National Park..

I can't find this on line. Can you provide a link?


Thanks!

[hellosailor]

I wonder, if you get one of the NPS "lifetime" or annual passes, if that would also cover entry by boat? (As opposed to the usual entry by car.)

[Group9]

Anyone else starting to get the feeling that the government reallly doesn’t care much for boats or boaters? Every time you turn around, there is a new regulation or fee it seems.

[AA3JY]

Originally Posted by Jerry Woodward

I can't find this on line. Can you provide a link?


Thanks!

Unfortunately the current issue of Boat US is not posted yet on line...

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Jerry Woodward

I can't find this on line. Can you provide a link?
Thanks!

Originally Posted by GordMay

Evidently, completion of their free boater education course will become required for all boaters later this year.
➥ Everglades Boater Education Course ...

Everglades Boater Education Course

[Snore]

Having kayaked literally every waterway in the park as well as visited every campsite, this park is special. Unfortunately, many do not give it the respect it deserves- mostly power boaters flying through the back country.

While the course is a good idea, enforcing this will be impossible. For example, Cape Sable is a common overnight anchorage before cutting across the bay. Do we all need to pass the test for that? How will this be enforced?

Great concept- just not realistic to implement.

[jimbunyard]

Originally Posted by Group9

Anyone else starting to get the feeling that the government reallly doesn’t care much for boats or boaters? Every time you turn around, there is a new regulation or fee it seems.

Don't take it personally; in case you haven't noticed, the governments' actions haven't accurately mirrored the publics' desires for a long time. (Perhaps a little too-broad statement, given the dynamism in the system)

Last I checked, the National Park System was made possible by the taxpayer; hence this is just another instance of multiple taxation.

My opinion is that it's high time to have a more truly representative democratic republic, and hold these clowns responsible when they're demonstrably at fault, with appropriately-sized punishments.

Though, long as I can sit back and 'enjoy my beer', don't see it happening...